How to Travel With Pets on American Airlines
Traveling can be exciting for many people, but can be confusing and stressful for pets. If you plan to travel with your dog or cat, you may opt to fly with American Airlines, which allows you to bring your pet but has strict rules as to the type of pets it allows to fly and what you can and can’t do when traveling, making it essential that you know what to expect from your trip.
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Instructions
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Determine whether you are eligible to fly with your pets on American Airlines: dogs and cats are the only animals accepted on American Airlines (both in-cabin and as cargo). A pet interview is not required; however, the airline reserves the right to reject any dog or cat that it deems aggressive or dangerous at the time of check-in.
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Ensure that pets are allowed on the flight. If you are going to Hawaii, Central America, South America or are taking a transatlantic or transpacific flight, your pet is not allowed as a carry-on.
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Plan your trip far enough ahead of time, so you can book your airline ticket early, especially if you plan on having your dog or cat in the cabin with you. Because only seven pets are allowed in the cabin at a time, you must make a reservation to ensure your dog or cat has a space on the flight.
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Make sure your pet’s carrier meets American Airline’s standards. According to American Airlines, the carrier can be no bigger than 23 inches long, 13 inches wide and nine inches high, and your dog or cat must be able to lie, stand and turn around comfortably in the carrier.
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Check in at the American Airlines counter. Both you and your pet are required to check in when you arrive at the airport.
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If you bring your pet into the cabin, keep it securely in its carrier, at all times before, during and after the flight.
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Tips & Warnings
If your pet is going to be in the cabin, you will be required to pay a fee. What’s more, your pet will be considered a carry-on piece of luggage.
Your dog or cat must be at least eight weeks old to travel with American Airlines.
Because American Airlines only allows dogs and cats to travel, if you have other pets, such as birds or rabbits, check with other airlines. There are other airlines that allow other pets to travel in the cabin and in the cargo.
Avoid having your dog or cat travel in the cargo during the hot summer months and the cold winter months, both of which could prove dangerous for your beloved pet. American Airlines has weather restrictions as to when pets are allowed to fly in the cargo.
Your dog or cat will require an entry permit if you are traveling from the United States to the Caribbean, Canada or Mexico.
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Comments
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Also, never use AA for traveling pets. The lose them all the time. The find them.... rarely. Cough up the dough to have them ride with you in the cabin. The end.
